Fallen war heroes recognized with Hawaii Medal of Honor

Military service members with Hawaii ties who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored Tuesday at a special joint legislative session in the House chambers.

Hawaii Medals of Honor were presented to the families of four service members who were killed in action while serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan: Army Sgt. Tofiga Tautolo, Air Force Capt. Reid Nishizuka, Army Sgt. Drew Scobie and Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Balli.

“Although none of us can truly feel the pain of your loss, the one thing you can be sure of this is that you’re not alone,” said Maj. Gen. Darryll Wong, state adjutant general.

Recipients include members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. military reserves and the Hawaii National Guard who were Hawaii residents, attended an educational institution in Hawaii, or were stationed in Hawaii by order of the U.S. Department of Defense.

As of January 20, 331 service members with Hawaii ties have sacrificed their lives while in the line of duty.